The Ely Fund Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative is managed by the Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) in collaboration with the Providence Parks Department and the Partnership for Providence Parks. This initiative aims to enliven Providence’s parks by funding outdoor, free performances that celebrate the art and cultural heritage of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. It is named in honor of Edward Francis Ely, Providence’s first Parks Commissioner, whose vision was to make parks spaces of community engagement. Over the past two decades, this initiative has been integral in supporting artists, organizers, and neighborhood groups in providing performances that are accessible and free to the public.

The initiative specifically targets projects that will take place between July 1 and September 30, 2025, within Providence's city parks. The grant encourages projects that include performing arts in the forms of theater, music, dance, spoken word, and film. All events must be free for attendees, occur on weekdays, and be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities (ADA compliant). In addition, successful applicants are responsible for promoting their events, and they must ensure their activities support engagement with the local community.

For 2025, significant changes have been introduced. Applicants no longer need power from Providence Parks or production support from ACT. Instead, applicants can bring their own self-contained power and production. Parks will not provide trash removal, and applicants can host their events in any park, subject to availability. Additionally, the usual park permit fees will be waived, and organizations must submit a detailed engagement plan to support their event. Applicants can propose a one-time event or a series of performances, though all events must be finalized and communicated to the ACT team by June 30, 2025.

All funded projects must submit a final report to ACT within 30 days of the event’s completion or by November 30, 2025, whichever comes first. The grant application process will begin in the spring of 2025, with applications being checked for accuracy before being reviewed by an advisory panel. This panel will rank the proposals, and funding recommendations will be forwarded to ACT staff for final approval. Notification of the grants will be made within one week of the application deadline. Additionally, successful applicants must meet with Rebecca Noon, the Director of Special Projects at ACT, for a one-on-one meeting after receiving the award.

ACT will promote the events, but funded organizations must also advertise and promote their activities. The grants require that the City of Providence, the Mayor, the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, and the Providence Parks Department are credited in all promotional materials.